Oddly, this book’s title doesn’t mention wills or probate records even though the entire focus of Build Your Family Tree is on these types of records. I hope this oversight hasn’t resulted in it being overlooked on bookstore shelves, because this handy guide could help genealogists locate records containing rich details about their ancestors, even though these documents can sometimes be tricky to locate.
The opening chapters provide an overview of the wide variety of information that can be discovered in wills and probate records. These are often details impossible to find in other places. Since it is necessary for researchers to understand legal terms and the probate process, Butler dedicates an entire chapter to defining various probate processes and the documents they generate. In addition, she provides helpful lists of terms and abbreviations.
In Canada, there are very few online access points for wills and probate records, so in-person research is often required. More genealogists are now relying on their computer to locate records, and as a result, many family tree hobbyists are unfamiliar with researching in archives. Chapter Five provides information about visiting archives: what to expect, what to know before travelling to an archive, how to obtain copies, what to bring, the etiquette of archives, and how to create abstracts. The author also provides search strategies and tips for a successful archives visit.
Since there is not one single repository in Canada for wills and probate records, the book lists the many archives, libraries, museums, and other locations that house wills, probate records, and related documents across Canada, many of the collections are little known and specialized. There are some online sources for probate-related documents here, as well. These listings, along with the provincial resources, are hands-down the most valuable chapters of the book. The author has allotted a chapter to each Canadian province and territory and details the unique and varied collections available in those regions.
The final chapter covers International Records, which is a useful addition because so many Canadians have ties to other lands. At first glance, this three-and-a-quarter-page chapter seems far to short to cover a topic so broad. However, the author has included a “Download Kit” along with the book, accessible through an online URL, that provides information about wills and probates in other countries, complete with links to online records, as well as addresses for those archives whose records are not yet digitized. While over 30 countries have resource pages in the kit, not all countries are represented. For example, none of the Scandinavian countries are included in the downloadable files. Still, it is like having a second book at your fingertips.
The Download Kit also includes handy blank forms, mostly for abstracting information from various types of records described in the book.
Initially, I was taken aback by the price of the paper bound book: $49.95 plus tax, in Canada. After reviewing the book and realizing the scope and density of detail it contains, it seems more reasonable. I can recommend this book to genealogists and librarians who need a detailed, current guide on this topic. The inclusion of in-person research topics will help the book maintain its usefulness for years over titles that rely exclusively on online resources.
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